by Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah’s Bookshelves will talk with her guest about: - 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE - 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE - 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE - AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT I’m getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.
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April 16, 2025
<p><strong>In Episode 193, author Clare Leslie Hall talks with Sarah about her US debut, <a href= "https://amzn.to/4iqnOt3"><u>Broken Country</u></a> — a breakout hit and a <a href= "https://reesesbookclub.com/book/broken-country/">Reese’s Book Club pick</a>. A genre mash-up that is part love story and part murder trial, Clare talks about marketing Broken Country, how this came to be her first U.S. release, and the ways the novel evolved over time. Plus, Clare shares her book recommendations.</strong></p> <p><span id="more-6003424"></span></p> <p>This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).</p> <p><a href= "https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/podcast-episode-193-clare-leslie-hall-author-of-broken-country/"> CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.</a></p> <h2><strong>Highlights</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Books by Clare Leslie Hall: <a href= "https://amzn.to/4iqnOt3"><u>Broken Country</u></a>, <a href= "https://amzn.to/44r4VSq">Days You Were Mine</a> </strong>(previously published as Mine), and<strong> <a href= "https://amzn.to/3RCv9dj"><u>Pictures of Him</u></a> </strong>(previously published as Him).</li> <li>Clare gives a brief, spoiler-free overview of <u>Broken Country</u>. </li> <li>Clare’s inspiration for <u>Broken Country</u>.</li> <li>How the themes of love, guilt, and connection play roles in the novel.</li> <li>The ways <u>Broken Country</u> developed and changed over the course of her writing process.</li> <li>How Clare decided that this was no longer a contemporary novel and needed to be set in the 1950s and 1960s.</li> <li>The aspect of the book of which she’s most proud.</li> <li>How Broken Country came to be her first book released in the U.S.</li> <li>What the marketing looked like for Broken Country compared to her first two novels.</li> <li>Anything Clare would change about Broken Country down the line should she have the opportunity (since she was able to change the ending of her second book for the U.S. release).</li> <li>A bit about what Clare has planned for her next book.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Clare’s Book Recommendations</strong> <a class= "spp-timestamp">[35:30]</a></h2> <p><strong>Two OLD Books She Loves</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3EoTHTT">Moon Tiger</a> by Penelope Lively</strong> (1987) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3EoTHTT">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780802135339">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[35:43]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4j8OAq1">All the Pretty Horses</a> </strong><strong>by Cormac McCarthy</strong> (1992) | <a href="https://amzn.to/4j8OAq1">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780679744399">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[37:26]</a></li> <li><strong>Other Books Mentioned:</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3RW5FY9">Lonesome Dove</a> by Larry McMurtry (1985) <a class="spp-timestamp">[38:42]</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Two NEW Books She Loves</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/42bdMpT"><span id= "productTitle" class="a-size-extra-large">Nesting</span></a> by Roisín O’Donnell</strong> (February 18, 2025) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/42bdMpT">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781643755700">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[40:12]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3RSirqA">Slow Dance</a> by Rainbow Rowell</strong> (July 30, 2024) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3RSirqA">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780063380196">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[41:33]</a></li> <li><strong>Other Books Mentioned:</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4imYt2j">The Wedding People</a> by Alison Espach (July 30, 2024) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[43:48]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4jvTYmT">The Paper Palace</a> by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[44:04]</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>One Book She DIDN’T Love</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/44r3UK6">Anna Karenina</a> <span class="a-size-base">by</span> Leo Tolstoy</strong> (1878) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/44r3UK6">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780143035008">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[45:22]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About</strong></p> <ul> <li class="a-spacing-none a-text-normal"><a href= "https://amzn.to/3XYIZdz"><strong><span id="productTitle" class= "a-size-extra-large">What the Deep Water Knows</span></strong></a> <strong>by Miranda Cowley Heller</strong> (July 1, 2025) | <a href="https://amzn.to/3XYIZdz">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" />| <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9798992427622">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[48:40]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Last 5-Star Book Clare Read</strong></p> <ul> <li class="a-spacing-none a-text-normal"><strong><a href= "https://amzn.to/3G8J3B7">Leaving</a> by Roxana Robinson</strong> (2024) | <a href="https://amzn.to/3G8J3B7">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781324105121">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[51:19]</a></li> </ul> <h2>Books From the Discussion</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/42vZ6k9">Atonement</a> by Ian McEwan (2001) <a class="spp-timestamp">[14:38]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3Y1KCqO">The Go-Between</a> by L. P. Hartley (1953) <a class="spp-timestamp">[14:42]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3RNQRL9">To Kill a Mockingbird</a> by Harper Lee (1960) <a class="spp-timestamp">[16:22]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4cyl4HF">Where the Crawdads Sing</a> by Delia Owens (2018) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[54:02]</a> </li> </ul> <h2><strong>About Clare Leslie Hall</strong></h2> <p><strong> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/clarelesliehall/">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ClareEmpson2">X</a></strong></p> <div class="paragraph"> <div id="block-605ae67fd8251a89a894" class= "sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" data-block-type="2"> <p>Clare Leslie Hall is a novelist and journalist who lives in the wilds of Dorset, England, with her family. She’s the author of <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4iqnOt3"><u>Broken Country</u></a></strong>, <strong><a href= "https://amzn.to/3RCv9dj"><u>Pictures of Him</u></a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/44r4VSq">Days You Were Mine</a></strong>.</p> </div> </div>
April 2, 2025
<p><strong>Welcome to the Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of <a href="https://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/">Gilmore Guide to Books</a>! </strong></p> <p><strong>Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May. </strong></p> <p><span id="more-6003407"></span></p> <p>This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).</p> <p><a href= "https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/podcast-episode-192-spring-2025-book-preview-with-catherine-gilmoreguide/"> CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.</a></p> <h2><strong>Announcement</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Sarah’s Bookshelves has joined Substack! </strong>Please note, <strong>we’re not MOVING to Substack, </strong>we’re simply adding Substack to the places we already put out content.</li> <li>On our FREE Substack feed, Sarah’s Bookshelves is offering all the content you already find on the blog, my Instagram account, public podcast,</li> <li>On our PAID feed, we’re offering all the content we also offer on Patreon. If you’re interested in becoming a paying subscriber on Substack, visit <a href= "https://sarahsbookshelveslive.substack.com/">sarahsbookshelveslive.substack.com</a> for all the details and a full list of benefits.</li> <li>If you’re already on Substack, please consider following the FREE feed and sharing with your reader friends to help support the show.</li> <li>One of the many benefits to joining as a paying member of either our <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/sarahsbookshelves">Patreon</a> or <a href="https://sarahsbookshelveslive.substack.com/">Substack</a> Communities is gaining access to <strong>several</strong> <strong>bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras</strong>! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that were not shared in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all Superstar patrons <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/sarahsbookshelves">here</a> and all Substack paid subscribers <a href= "https://sarahsbookshelveslive.substack.com/about">here</a>!</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Highlights</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this spring (lightning round style).</li> <li>With a theme this season of “change,” Catherine focuses on lighter fiction and thrillers.</li> <li>Sarah’s choices are evenly split between debut authors, new to her authors, and repeat authors.</li> <li>Food novels, rom-coms, thrillers (two with a mistaken identity element), and lighter reading are the picks for spring!</li> <li>Sarah has already read one of her picks — and one of Catherine’s!</li> <li>And, Catherine has already started reading one of hers.</li> <li>Plus, their #1 picks for the spring.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Big Spring Releases <a class= "spp-timestamp">[5:15]</a> </strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4j7wgNO">The Emperor of Gladness</a> by Ocean Vuong</strong> (May 13) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4j7wgNO">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593831878">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[5:43]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4j9fhuy">The Dark Maestro</a> by Brendan Slocumb</strong> (May 13) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4j9fhuy">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593687611">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[5:47]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3XVCo3B">Say You’ll Remember Me</a> by Abby Jimenez</strong> (Apr 1) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3XVCo3B">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781538759196">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[5:56]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4hPpKtV">Run for the Hills</a> by Kevin Wilson</strong> (May 13) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4hPpKtV">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780063317512">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[6:03]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4iKPSaG"><strong>Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man)</strong></a> <strong>by Jesse Q. Sutanto</strong> (Apr 1) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4iKPSaG">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593546246">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[6:18]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3RlWekA">The Maid’s Secret</a> by Nita Prose</strong> (Apr 8) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3RlWekA">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593875414">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[6:26]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3Rqgd1q">Audition</a> by Katy </strong><strong>Kitamura</strong> (Apr 8) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3Rqgd1q">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593852323">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[6:29]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4j7S5wx">My Documents</a> by Kevin Ngyuen</strong> (Apr 8) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4j7S5wx">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593731680">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[6:44]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Backlist Titles Mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4hPhnOS">The Violin Conspiracy</a> by Brendan Slocumb (2022) <a class="spp-timestamp">[5:51]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4iWTtSs">Symphony of Secrets</a> by Brendan Slocumb (2023) <a class="spp-timestamp">[5:53]</a></li> </ul> <h2><strong>Spring 2025 Book Preview <a class= "spp-timestamp">[6:51]</a></strong></h2> <p><strong>April</strong></p> <p><strong>Sarah’s Picks</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4kLm5Qx">The Family Recipe</a> by Carolyn Huynh</strong> (Apr 1) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4kLm5Qx">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668033043">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[9:40]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4hvqzIa"><u>I See You’ve Called in Dead</u></a> by John Kenney</strong> (Apr 1) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4hvqzIa">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9798989923014">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[14:49]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4hqS99q">The Bright Years</a> by Sarah Damoff</strong> (Apr 22) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4hqS99q">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668061442">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[23:15]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4kKKcPl"><u>Gold Coast Dilemma</u></a> by Nana Malone</strong> (Apr 29) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4kKKcPl">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668061183">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[29:28]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4iQaYnM"><u>The Road to Tender Hearts</u></a> by Annie Hartnett</strong> (Apr 29) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4iQaYnM">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593873441">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[33:42]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Catherine’s Picks</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4kZGRfs"><u>Cat’s People</u></a> by Tanya Guerrero</strong> (Apr 1) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4kZGRfs">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593873847">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[12:46]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/41UyRUm"><u>Heartwood</u></a> by Amity Gaige</strong> (Apr 1) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/41UyRUm">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668063606">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[18:23]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Books Mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4c9FLK7">The Fortunes of Jaded Women</a> by Carolyn Huynh (2022) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[9:44]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4l8Aqa0">Talk to Me</a> by John Kenney (2019) <a class="spp-timestamp">[14:53]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4iIVG4w">About a Boy</a> by Nick Hornby (1998) <a class="spp-timestamp">[16:48]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/425vlGy">The God of the Woods</a> by Liz Moore (2024) <a class="spp-timestamp">[18:30]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4j0Yni5">The Return of Ellie Black</a> by Emiko Jean (2024) <a class="spp-timestamp">[18:32]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3FEnYyx">Sea Wife</a> by Amity Gaige (2020) <a class="spp-timestamp">[22:47]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3FEoBb4">The Shred Sisters</a> by Betsy Lerner (2024) <a class="spp-timestamp">[24:45]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4hKALMY">The Dearly Beloved</a> by Cara Wall (2019) <a class="spp-timestamp">[26:18]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/42hrgQR">Ask Again, Yes</a> by Mary Beth Keane (2019) <a class="spp-timestamp">[26:20]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4l5323L">We Are the Brennans</a> by Tracey Lange (2021) <a class="spp-timestamp">[26:22]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3QQ9DRN">The Most Fun We Ever Had</a> by Claire Lombardo (2019) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[26:25]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4hMYGLG">Yours, Eventually</a> by Nura Maznavi (2025) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[30:58]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3QOSMyJ">Unlikely Animals</a> by Annie Hartnett (2022) <a class="spp-timestamp">[33:47]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3DSLcjL">The Guncle</a> by Steven Rowley (2021) <a class="spp-timestamp">[38:04]</a> </li> </ul> <p><strong>May</strong></p> <p><strong>Sarah’s Picks</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4iP0GUQ">Aftertaste</a> by Daria Lavelle</strong> (May 20) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4iP0GUQ">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668061596">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[42:16]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Catherine’s Pick</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4iroUok">Home of the American Circus</a> by Allison Larkin</strong> (May 6) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4iroUok">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668008416">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[26:48]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4kLntCJ">The Man Made of Smoke</a> by Alex North</strong> (May 13) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4kLntCJ">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781250757890">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[31:29]</a> </li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4irUbrg">Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding</a> by Lian Dolan</strong> (May 20) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4irUbrg">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780063270657">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[39:56]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4bQCvTC">Storybook Ending</a> by Moira Macdonald</strong> (May 27) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4bQCvTC">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593851296">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[45:36]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Books Mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/42azRDR"><u>The People We Keep</u></a> by Allison Larkin (2021) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[28:23]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3FIYobB">The Angel Maker</a> by Alex North (2023) <a class="spp-timestamp">[31:39]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4l8DPFO">Lost and Found in Paris</a> by Lian Dolan (2022) <a class="spp-timestamp">[41:25]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4iHzXK5">Kitchen Confidential</a> by Anthony Bourdain (2000) <a class="spp-timestamp">[43:42]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4hO4Nzt">The Husbands</a> by Holly Gramazio (2024) <a class="spp-timestamp">[43:54]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4jpEu43">Sweetbitter</a> by Stephanie Danler (2016) <a class="spp-timestamp">[44:36]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3XzIuX7"><u>Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow</u></a> by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[44:40]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3FCROTO"><u>Mexican Gothic</u></a> by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[44:42]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/41IYqsu">Under the Whispering Door</a> by TJ Klune (2021) <a class="spp-timestamp">[44:45]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4hThXeH">The Midnight Library</a> by Matt Haig (2020) <a class= "spp-timestamp">[44:53]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4cpb4kh">Storybook Ending</a> by Poppy Alexander (2024) <a class="spp-timestamp">[47:32]</a> </li> </ul>
March 26, 2025
<p><strong>In Episode 191, Sarah and Catherine of <a href="https://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/">Gilmore Guide to Books</a> catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the <a href= "https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/podcast-episode-185-winter-2025-book-preview-with-catherine-gilmoreguide/">Winter 2025 Book Preview</a>. They share their reading stats, chat about what they liked, and what didn’t work out. </strong></p> <p><span id="more-6003395"></span></p> <p>This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).</p> <p><a href= "https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/podcast-episode-191-winter-2025-circle-back-with-catherine-gilmoreguide/"> CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.</a></p> <h2><strong>Highlights</strong></h2> <ul> <li>For the first time ever, Sarah’s Preview selections resulted in a 100% success rate!</li> <li>Catherine’s reading was also successful at 75%, with 2 DNFs.</li> <li>A total of three 5-star books from the Winter Preview!</li> <li>Sarah successfully revived her reading from that “sameness” she felt in December.</li> <li>Catherine’s reading seems to revolve around “right time” and “wrong time” books even more than usual.</li> <li>They name the best and worst books from their winter picks.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Books Read Before the Preview <a class= "spp-timestamp">[1:46]</a> </strong></h2> <p><strong>January</strong></p> <p><strong>Sarah’s Picks</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4a5D4rH">The Favorites</a> by Layne Fargo</strong> (Jan 14) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4a5D4rH">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593732045">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[2:18]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3BSW5RH">Penitence</a> by Kristin Koval</strong> (Jan 28) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3BSW5RH">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781250342997">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[4:05]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Books Mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3PmczVD">Defending Jacob</a> by William Landay <a class="spp-timestamp">[5:12]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4gJywd7">All That Is Mine I Carry With Me</a> by William Landay <a class="spp-timestamp">[5:13]</a> </li> </ul> <h2><strong>Winter 2025 Circle Back <a class= "spp-timestamp">[7:42]</a></strong></h2> <p><strong>January</strong></p> <p><strong>Sarah’s Pick</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4h3SL4Z"><u>Death of the Author</u></a> by Nnedi Okorafor</strong> (Jan 14) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4h3SL4Z">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780063391147">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[11:44]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Catherine’s Picks</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3ZWZs1W"><u>All the Water in the World</u></a> by Eiren Caffall</strong> (Jan 7) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3ZWZs1W">Amazon</a><img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781250353528">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[7:46]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4gCxrUq"><u>Those Fatal Flowers</u></a> by Shannon Ives</strong> (Jan 21) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4gCxrUq">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593725306">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[18:14]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/423JR37">Call Her Freedom</a> by Tara Dorabji</strong> (Jan 21) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/423JR37">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668051658">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[25:59]</a> </li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4fHjEuA">Too Soon</a> by Betty Shamieh</strong> (Jan 28) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4fHjEuA">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668046548">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[28:53]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Books Mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3PoLfG9">Station Eleven</a> by Emily St. John Mandel <a class="spp-timestamp">[9:46]</a> </li> </ul> <p><strong>February</strong></p> <p><strong>Sarah’s Picks</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3DKxNd4">Yours, Eventually</a> by Nura Maznavi</strong> (Feb 18) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3DKxNd4">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593475812">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[20:29]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4fUs8ic">Crush</a> by Ada Calhoun</strong> (Feb 25) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4fUs8ic">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593832028">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[31:40]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4021Cxj">The Strange Case by Jane O.</a> by Karen Thompson Walker</strong> (Feb 25) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4021Cxj">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781984853943">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[38:59]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/422GfOV">The Grand Scheme of Things</a> by Warona Jay</strong> (Feb 25) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/422GfOV">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668062364">Bookshop.org</a><a class="spp-timestamp">[43:10]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Catherine’s Pick</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3DJqCSw">This Is a Love Story</a> by Jessica Soffer</strong> (Feb 4) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3DJqCSw">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593851265">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[35:44]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Books Mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4iXBOet"><u>Persuasion</u></a> by Jane Austen <a class="spp-timestamp">[22:35]</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3PmJVDR">Why We Can’t Sleep</a> by Ada Calhoun <a class="spp-timestamp">[32:09]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4a8ESjD">Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give</a> by Ada Calhoun <a class= "spp-timestamp">[32:11]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4aaQcMf">Yellowface</a> by R. F. Kuang <a class="spp-timestamp">[43:56]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4kLYGP1">Victim</a> by Andrew Boryga <a class="spp-timestamp">[44:04]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3DURnDp">By Any Other Name</a> by Jodi Picoult <a class="spp-timestamp">[45:54]</a> </li> </ul> <p><strong>March</strong></p> <p><strong>Sarah’s Pick</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4gUtCd4">Broken Country</a> by Clare Leslie Hall</strong> (Mar 4) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4gUtCd4">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668078181">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[49:33]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Catherine’s Picks</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/40q4UvS">The Dream Hotel</a> by Laila Lalami</strong> (Mar 4) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/40q4UvS">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593317600">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[41:21]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/4fOJwVc">Kate & Frida</a> by Kim Fay</strong> (Mar 11) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/4fOJwVc">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9780593852385">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[46:56]</a></li> <li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3BMbkMj">Witness 8</a> by Steve Cavanagh</strong> (Mar 25) | <a href= "https://amzn.to/3BMbkMj">Amazon</a> | <a href= "https://bookshop.org/a/24569/9781668049372">Bookshop.org</a> <a class="spp-timestamp">[52:25]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Books Mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4a5JZkF"><u>Love & Saffron</u></a> by Kim Fay <a class="spp-timestamp">[49:07]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4hsU2T8">Where the Crawdads Sing</a> by Delia Owens <a class="spp-timestamp">[50:37]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/406xalt"><u>The Paper Palace</u></a> by Miranda Cowley Heller <a class= "spp-timestamp">[50:40]</a> </li> </ul>
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